Chapter 207:

Later, Paola cornered Novalee at the venue, pulling her aside. “Alright, I’ve changed my mind. I won’t fire your parents anymore. Just tell me how much you want.”

Novalee pressed her lips together. “What do you mean?”

Paola scoffed. “Don’t play dumb. You need money, right? The prize money’s only a million. I’ll double it and give you two as long as you perform badly. Deal?”

Novalee’s eyes narrowed. Her tone was sharp. “Do you think everyone is as crooked as you? Art isn’t something you can buy.”

She turned to leave, but Paola blocked her path again, gritting her teeth. “Fine! Three million! That’s more than enough to live comfortably for years! Be smart, like Lillian!”

Novalee bit her lip, thinking of X. Aria’s words in her mind. “I refuse,” she said, stepping back.

She was determined to win. This could be her chance for a solo performance overseas, a real career, a name built on talent — not just a flashy title.

Paola’s face twisted with rage as Novalee turned away. Suddenly, she lunged forward and slammed Novalee’s hand against the wall.

The noise drew attention. People quickly gathered around the lounge entrance. When staff pulled them apart, Paola’s hair was messy, her eyes red, and she clutched her wrist dramatically.

“Why did you hurt me?” she cried.

“I didn’t!” Novalee shouted.

Unfortunately, the spot where it happened had no security cameras. Novalee had no proof. Then, at the worst moment, Paola’s friend Isabella stepped in.

“I saw everything! Novalee attacked first. She shoved Paola on purpose!”

Novalee’s face went pale. Her fingers trembled. “That’s a lie! She grabbed my hand first—”

“Enough!” the event organizer snapped as he walked over. “Both of you, calm down. This is a competition, not a brawl.”

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Paola lowered her head, her voice shaking. “I just wanted to talk to her about the competition, but she suddenly…” She trailed off, showing a red mark on her wrist—one she had pinched herself.

The people around them began to glance at Novalee with quiet suspicion.

Novalee stood frozen, her fists clenched. She couldn’t explain herself.

Then, a calm voice cut through the tension. “I saw it too. Paola pushed Novalee on purpose,” Rylie said, raising her hand with a faint smile. Now both sides had a witness. Who would the staff believe?

Paola gave a subtle signal to the nearby staff, hoping they’d back her. Her mother hadn’t bribed the judges, but money had been spent to keep things smooth behind the scenes. She expected their support.

Isabella yelled, “You can’t seriously believe someone who’s known for stealing from others!”

Stealing? The staff turned to Isabella, their expressions bewildered. Did she just call X. Aria’s direct disciple a thief? Had she lost it?

Rylie stayed calm. “Let’s talk evidence. Accusations without proof don’t hold water. Paola can have a witness, but Novalee can’t? That’s just unfair.”

Paola’s lips twitched. She forced a shaky smile. “You’re right, Rylie. Since you’ve spoken, I’ll let it go. Let’s focus on the competition.”

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